You ever felt like you were on the cusp of something new? Something big? Something fun? As we finish up the first half of the year this month, I can’t help but be optimistic for the rest of the 2018. Maybe it’s the slew of vacations I have planned or maybe I’m just manifesting the change I want to see? Whatever it is, it’s definitely coming threw in my wardrobe choices. I seriously can’t tell you the last time I bought an ankle length dress, but this one from Urban Outfitters was so darling I couldn’t pass it up—especially since it was on sale. Actually everything I’m wearing was off the sales rack.

Word of advice: Never sleep on the sale section, especially in between seasons.

This year has been amazing. Amid all the political drama and racial tensions, I’ve personally been winning lately. Maybe it’s turning 25 at the end of last year, but I’ve finally started making things happen for myself. It’s all been thanks to God. I put in the work and he delivers on his promises.

I’ve been trying to live what I preach. I’m the encouraging friend, the nurturing friend, the friend that encourages everyone around me to in the words of Oprah, “Live your best life!” But, I wasn’t practicing what I preached, until this year. I finally decided I was going to apply to the jobs I wanted, not just the jobs that I could do. I decided I was going to apply to this Assistant Editor position for a children’s magazine that I was barely qualified for. I didn’t even get a call back, but then less than a month later I came across the same position for a hair magazine more suited to my interests.

I applied, got an interview, then another interview, then a temporary freelance position for a few weeks, before finally starting in a permanent position as an Assistant Editor in April. That happened because I decided to finally start going after what I wanted. Every internship, blog or magazine I ever wrote for prepared me for the job I have today.

This “Just do it!” mentality has benefited me positively in other areas of my life, and yes sometimes things still don’t work out the way I want them too. But, I think it’s better to start living life without regrets, than to have a bunch of “shoulda, coulda, wouldas” in the future.

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at DxLynnx for more life stuff.

I’ve finally gotten around to editing these photos! I’ve been so excited to share these with who ever actually looks at this blog. Besides being crazy busy with a new Assistant Editor job at Associated Publications and just running around doing odd paying tasks for the family, I’ve been exhausted. It’s late and I need to get to bed soon, but before i go I want you guys to take a glimpse at these lovely shots my friend Tatiana, from the blog B.L.I.S.S. For Singles, took of me at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Blooper shots are mixed in. Enjoy!!

Support Women Artists Now, better known as SWAN Chicago, had their 4th annual art show at The Annex on Chicago Ave. last weekend. This was my third time attending one of these events. I missed last year’s showing, so I had to make it this one. Especially since one of my friends, Caira Conner, was one of the featured artists. This year’s theme was digital art and the artists did not disappoint. The free drinks definitely helped everyone get into the mood and the space was open and inviting. Definitely an upgrade on previous years, where we were all packed into a tiny gallery space barely able to navigate due to the crowd.

Check out all the artists and their work on Instagram! And follow @swandaychicago to stay in the know for next year’s event.

I just really wanted to show off my new overalls my sister got me for Christmas last year. She works at HM so she has the hook up with that discount. Every dollar saved counts! I’m excited about this particular pair of overalls, because they’re a replacement for the pair that was lost when Megabus lost my suitcase, found it, and then donated it. That is a long and angry blog post for another day.

I hope this post inspires you to wear more denim this year. Start by buying yourself a pair of cute denim overalls. You’ll thank me later.

Getting your hair to grow can be a frustrating process, but it doesn’t have to be. One of my old coworkers commented on how long my hair had gotten on Instagram and asked about my hair regiment. I replied that I really don’t do much and that’s true. I firmly believe that the less you’re in your hair the better. But to get more specific and to create a writing sample for this hair magazine I’m interviewing with, here are three simple tips to help you reach your ideal length.

Tip 1: Use little to no heat.
It doesn’t take much for hair to get heat damaged if you’re using too high of a heat setting or not using a heat protectant when styling. Put the flat iron and curlers down and try to use heat as little as possible.

Tip 2: Trim your ends monthly.
Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and when not taken care of they tend to split. Getting monthly trims will help get rid of dead and damaged hair, which will lead to healthy hair growth.

Tip 3: Don’t over manipulate your hair.
Putting a lot of stress on your hair from over styling will cause your hair breakage over time. Work low maintenance hair styles into your daily routine to put less stress on your hair.

Hope this helps! What do you do to maintain length? Let me know in the comments.